PEIFA Today – Friday, June 16, 2017

Regulations under the Plant Health Act provide that no person shall, except with a provincial permit, store, keep or by any means hold any bulk potato tubers or potato debris between June 15 and August 31 unless that material is contained inside a building, enclosed in a transport vehicle or under an impermeable cover.

Frank Pye is frustrated after 30 years of fighting to reform farming regulations in Labrador. MORE

If it’s not green on this map, it’s a water source that’s been hurt by climate change: report

A map from WWF Canada’s report on watershed health,, showing the impacts of climate change on sub-watersheds. MORE

Hourly employees in agriculture among lowest paid

Hourly-wage employees in agriculture and related production were among the lowest earners nationally, according to data from Statistics Canada. MORE

Advance Payments Program through the PEI Federation of Agriculture

Eligible producers will are now able to apply for the 2017 Advance Payments Program through the PEI Federation of Agriculture.

Federation Members will continue to receive a preferred rate on Administrative Fees. This is available for farmers who have paid their dues in 2017 or those that were members as of December 31, 2016.

For more information on the program, please contact Andrew Wood or Tim Seeber at 902-368-7289.

Environmental Farm Plan Renewals

The Enhanced Environmental Farm Plan Program sent out renewal letters in early 2017 to notify producers that their environmental farms plans would be expiring at the end of the year. If you are a producer who has not yet contacted the office to have your plan updated please call Matt or JoAnn at 902-368-7289.

EFP’s are valid for 5 years and we encourage all farmers to participate in the program. Participation in the program also allows you to apply for funding through the Growing Forward 2 Agriculture Stewardship Program, Farmland Finance Program and the Future Farmer Program. For your convenience the EFP can be completed at your farm or at the PEI Federation of Agricultural office and takes approximately 1.5 hrs to complete. EFP’s are no cost to the producer.

If you feel your EFP may be expired and you have not yet been contacted please call the office and we will check the status of your last plan. Further information on the Enhanced Environmental Farm Plan Program can be found on the PEI Federation of Agriculture webpage www.peifa.ca/efp/

PEI Barn Quilt Trail – Applications Now Available

The PEI Agriculture Awareness Committee is pleased to announce a new initiative in celebrating rural PEI and discovering the agriculture industry.

As part of the C150 celebrations, we will be launching the PEI Barn Quilt Trail across PEI in the fall of 2017.

This project has been funded by the Government of Canada.

The committee is currently accepting applicants for host farms for the initial 25 barn quilts until June 23, 2017.

We appreciate you helping us spread the word of the application process and look forward to sharing more information in the coming months including a major launch in September!

The Prince Edward Island Potato Board is looking for a pair to be Tate the PEI Potato mascot for the 2017 summer.

A part-time job, which would be great supplemental summertime income for a student.

The schedule is flexible, and the candidate can make themselves as busy they would like to be. There are several festivals, events and parades throughout the summer that are committed, and the rest can be flexible to visit popular tourist sites, cruise ships, parks and kids days around PEI. A schedule of these mandatory events will be provided, as well as a suggested schedule of different festivals and events. Materials for giveaways and promotion will be provided.

The successful candidate should have the following requirements:

– Responsible and mature

– Outgoing, to interact with public

– Physically able to wear a costume for periods of time.

– Take pictures for social media use.

– Must be able to transport the large mascot, which requires an SUV or truck

Tate is best as a “team” effort, with someone else who may be able to help put the costume on, guide the mascot around, control any crowds. If you have someone who may be able to help, that would be ideal. Tate is an expensive mascot so would have to be housed in a clean, dry spot and properly cared for.

The remuneration is $15 /hr with a guaranteed minimum payment of $50 per person plus mileage

If you would like to be considered, please send an email to potato@peipotato.org with “Mascot Tate” in the subject line.

Summer Employment Opportunity with PEI COPC

Beginning July 04, 2017 and continuing for 8 weeks.

Summer Program Assistant

The summer program assistant will work directly with the PEI COPC Research Coordinator and under the

On February 25, 2016, the Prime Minister announced a new process for Governor in Council appointments. This new process supports an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process focused on identifying high-quality candidates who demonstrate Canada’s diversity.

This process will be used to select new members for the Farm Products Council of Canada. I am writing to you to seek your assistance in promoting this selection process.

The candidates we are looking for must have experience as a primary producer, in agribusiness, in the agri-food industry, or in food distribution or retail. Candidates should also have experience in decision making with respect to sensitive and complex issues, experience in maintaining effective relationships with multiple stakeholders and balancing their interests and divergent views, and an understanding of the Canadian supply management system for poultry and eggs.

I encourage you to inform your members of this opportunity and invite interested candidates to apply for a member position at the following website: HERE

Livestock

Saskatchewan offers provincial pasture leases to patron groups

Cattle producers using provincial pastures heading into the final three years of the Saskatchewan Pastures Program (SPP) will get the first chance at leasing them. MORE

Consistent demand supports prices ahead of slowdown

Cattle prices remained firm at Manitoba auction marts during the week ended June 9. Bids for steers (400-500 lbs.) rose $3-$5 per hundredweight on average with other lightweight animals also showing slight improvements. MORE

Warm weather increases parasite risk in sheep and cattle.

NADIS and Merial Animal Health are warning sheep and cattle farmers that recent above average temperatures could lead to a rise in parasitic disease in growing animals this summer. MORE

May ERS Choice Beef Price Above a Year Ago

On Wednesday, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for May, reports Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE

Agency Says Livestock Jobs More Popular Than Ever

The head of a rural employment agency says the demand for jobs in the livestock industry has increased dramatically, and is the busiest he has ever seen it. MORE

Strong Beef Prices Driven by Strong Market Demand

IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said beef prices are holding firm, driven by extremely strong market demand and rising prices in our main export market in the UK. MORE

BJP Allies in Christian-majority NE India Oppose Cattle Trade Rules

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) allies in three Christian-majority states of Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya have opposed the central government’s new cattle trade and slaughter rules. MORE

Vaccine put to the test as PEDv outbreak continues

A vaccine that researchers say has been over 90 per cent effective against PEDv in clinical trials is on track for another field test in southeast Manitoba. MORE

Hogs ease in technical selloff

U.S. lean hog futures were mostly about two per cent lower on Thursday, easing on technical selling and investment fund liquidation, traders and analysts said. MORE

Seasonal Pattern in May ERS Pork Retail Price Apparent

On Wednesday, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for May, reports Steiner Consulting Group, DLR Division, Inc. MORE

Vissan Slashes Pork Prices to Boost Sales

Several southern retailers are launching promotional offers to boost the sale of pork amid slump in prices, which have hit farmers hard recently. MORE

China Backpedals on Pollution Curbs Leveled at Pig Breeders

The Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday was forced to reinterpret stringent guidelines aimed at curbing pollution from livestock breeding, after many provincial-level authorities were found to have enforced the regulations so harshly that they put farmers out of business. MORE

Tanzanian Govt Bans Pig Imports to Curb ASF Spread

The government has banned, for one year, importation of live swine and its products following an outbreak of Africa Swine Fever (ASF) which has hit some regions in the country. MORE

Putin Says Sanctions Led Russia to Self-Sufficiency in Pork, Poultry

Russia is now almost completely self-sufficient in pork and poultry meat as a result of anti-Russian sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday during his annual “Direct Line” call-in session. MORE

Pork Major Issue in US-Taiwan Trade Ties, Says US Official

The United States is revising its trade policy and advancing its relations with Taiwan but there are still some barriers, such as agricultural issues and pork imports, which are hampering progress, a US official said in Taipei Thursday. MORE

Alleged chicken abuse spurs body cameras requirement for farm workers

A chicken-catching company at the centre of an animal cruelty investigation in British Columbia says it will require staff to wear body cameras after an animal advocacy group released video of alleged abuse. MORE

Over the past few decades the Canadian Provinces Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Alberta have exported a considerable amount of seed potatoes from Canada to Latin America and the Caribbean. MORE

The new Potato Expo Innovation Hub is now open and accepting abstract submissions for the Potato Expo 2018, the largest convention and trade show for the potato industry drawing more than 2,000 attendees and over 180 exhibiting companies. MORE

After potato tubers survived Mars conditions, potato seeds will be tested on the Moon

Scientists in China have unveiled multiple tasks they plan to carry out as part of the lunar exploration program at the just-concluded Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX 2017) in Beijing. MORE

Aerial Stem Rot, Blackleg, Soft Rot in Michigan

Aerial stem rot, blackleg and tuber soft rot of potato have been found in fields in Michigan. MORE

TOMRA Success Story: Van Roey & Zonen, Belgium

Van Roey & Zonen is a family business specialising in the sorting and packing of potatoes and onions. The company has a particular focus on tasty Bintjes and waxy potatoes. MORE

Potato Centre of Excellence opened during Tanzania Agribusiness Day

A Dutch-Tanzanian Potato Centre of Excellence, was launched at the ‘Tanzania Agribusiness day’. MORE

Belgian potato packer business thrives after TOMRA installation

Van Roey & Zonen is a family business specialising in the sorting and packing of potatoes and onions. The company has a particular focus on tasty Bintjes and waxy potatoes. MORE

Potato-Based Vegan Milk Debuts in China

Global Gardens Group (GGG)—parent company of vegan milk brand Veggemo—partnered with import corporation V-Power to begin distribution of its products in China last week. MORE

Feed barley bids remain well supported in Western Canada, as solid demand and reluctant farmer selling keep the market underpinned heading into the summer months. MORE

Milling organic grains in Treherne

Manitoba Co-operator reporter Alexis Stockford visits Dan and Fran DeRuyck of Treherne, Man., and discovers how their organic milling operation came to be. The DeRuycks opened their expanded cleaning plant early this year. MORE

Wheat futures lead grain rally

U.S. wheat futures rose on Thursday, led by a 2.9 per cent rally in the benchmark Chicago Board of Trade July contract, on concerns about dry weather leading to crop shortfalls globally. MORE

Germany: Wholesale prices for fruit and vegetables 5,7% lower than last year

The prices at the wholesale markets were 3.1% higher in May of this year compared to last. MORE

As Islanders, we know that Fries with the Works is a legendary local dish featuring PEI French Fries. However, when you talk to Islanders about Fries With The Works, or when you see them listed on a local menu, there can be many variations in ingredients! As a result, the PEI Potato Board is launching a survey to ask Islanders “just what IS Fries With The Works” to you?

“There’s no tastier way to enjoy PEI Fries when on the Island than eating them with the “works,” but we want to know exactly what ‘the works’ is” says Rodney Dingwell, PEI potato farmer and chairman of the PEI Potato Board.

Have your say! Tell us what how you eat your Fries with the Works by going online and filling out a survey, with a chance to win a $100 grocery gift card.

“If a tourist came to PEI and asked what Fries With The Works is, Islanders have a clear answer as to what ‘works’ go on our world famous fries, as well as knowing if there’s a ‘classic’ version, says Greg Donald, General Manager of the PEI Potato Board.

PEI COPC Organic Farm TourPEI COPC will be hosting a one day organic farm tour on Wednesday, July 6th from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m..
Local media, social media guests, COPC staff, PEIDAF Minister and Deputy will be attending the tour of five COPC member farms, including: Dexter Cattle Company, Square One Organics, Red Soil Organics, Heartbeet Organics, and Schurman Family Farm.

Transportation and lunch are provided.

Seats are limited and tickets will be on sale beginning next week ($25 each or $20 for COPC members).

3A Airbrakes Test Facilitation
***UPDATE–WE ARE NOW TAKING NAMES FOR OTHER DATES THAT MAYBE OFFERED FOR 3A TRAINING IF INTERESTED PLEASE GET YOUR NAME ON A WAITING LIST FOR THE NEXT TRAINING SESSIONS!! WE MAYBE OFFERING SESSIONS IN JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER***

From field to road…do you have employees that drive your trucks, but don’t have their licenses?

We are looking for experienced drivers that would like to obtain their Airbrakes and Class 3A license.

The PEI Agriculture Sector Council will be facilitating these two courses through JVI and Access.

This project will be processed through the Canada Job Grant and Skills PEI.

Draft Schedule:

Day 1- Airbrake theory

Day 2- Review of Airbrakes and Airbrake test (written on site), Preform a pre-use inspection

Day 3- Driving and Testing for Class 3A (time scheduled test on site)

Day 4- Driving and Testing for Class 3A (time scheduled test on site)

Requirements- must have valid truck driving experience, but not licensed & Medical completed and returned

Lunch will be provided

For more details on registration requirements, contact Laurie at 892-1091.

Registration is now open, limited seating available. To sign up, contact the PEI Agriculture Sector Council at 892-1091 or e-mail info@peiagsc.ca

Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative

The Agricultural Youth Green Jobs Initiative has been approved for a 2 year period. Applications will be accepted starting April 26, 2017.

The program is designed to hire youth aged 15 to 30 for internships of up to 12 months. It will be of interest to producers and organizations working in the agriculture industry and interested in implementing agriculture projects that are environmentally beneficial.

Producers operating a farm or ranch can hire a young person to implement an environmentally beneficial project in their operation.

Agricultural organizations, such as watershed groups and companies providing environmentally beneficial services can access the program to support an environmentally beneficial project their organization is implementing. Research organizations can receive funding to support their agricultural research that benefits the environment.